During the fall semester, Palm Beach Atlantic University physical education students led recreational activities at Renaissance Learning Academy, a charter high school serving young people with autism.

Palm Beach Atlantic University business students have found a way to make some dough — literally — for a good cause. In this case, it's gluten-free chocolate chip cookie dough, an idea conceived by the Students in Free Enterprise class at PBA and prepared and baked by chefs at Cafe Joshua, a catering company in West Palm Beach.

Not long ago Palm Beach Atlantic University student Lauren Smith was on track to become a teacher. But her love for working with children ultimately led her from the classroom to a more clinical setting. "I want to have real contact with them," said Smith, a junior in the School of Nursing. "I want to help them when they’re sick."

Invoking the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Palm Beach Atlantic University commencement speaker and King scholar Dr. Terriel Byrd challenged graduates on Saturday to live in accordance with the University's theme for this academic year, Engagement Empowers. Dr. Byrd, who serves as professor of urban Christian ministry and coordinator of the evening ministry program at PBA, said that according to Dr. King, there are three dimensions of any complete life: length, breadth and height. "To truly be empowered, you must be engaged on three levels," Dr. Byrd told the nearly 200 graduates and the hundreds of family members, friends and guests in attendance. The first dimension of life involves one’s own well-being, he said. "You can’t love others unless you love yourself," Dr. Byrd said. "This is the dimension of life in which individuals are concerned with developing inner power, with which one pursues the personal ends and ambitions."

Rebekah Bouch came to Palm Beach Atlantic University with dreams of becoming a dancer. Instead, she'll leave with a bachelor's degree in marketing and the title of Outstanding Graduate of PBA's Rinker School of Business. She will be recognized during fall commencement at 2 p.m. today at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.

Chris Hernandez, a journalism major who is minoring in biblical studies, will be recognized as the Outstanding Graduate of the School of Communication and Media during Palm Beach Atlantic University's fall commencement on Saturday. The ceremony begins at 2 p.m. at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.

On Saturday, Royal Palm Beach mother of three Susan Roberson will live out her own definition of success when she is recognized as the Outstanding Graduate of Palm Beach Atlantic University's MacArthur School of Leadership during fall commencement. The ceremony begins at 2 p.m. at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.